During the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, AAA projects nearly 43 million Americans will travel, according to the “AAA Independence Day Travel Forecast,” an increase of 1.3% from the 42.3 million people who traveled last year. 

This represents the highest Fourth of July travel volume on record, according to AAA Travel. This number is up five million more travelers compared to Memorial Day weekend 2016.

More than 36 million people — 84% of travelers — will drive to their destinations, an increase of 1.2% over last year, according to AAA Travel. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday June 30 to Monday July 4.

“Spurred by the lowest gas prices since 2005, more people than ever are planning to travel this Independence Day weekend,” said Marshall Doney, AAA president and CEO. “Whether they’re traveling by car, plane, train, or cruise ship, it will be exciting to see so many Americans celebrating our nation’s freedom with their friends and family over the long holiday weekend.”

Despite recent seasonal increases, gasoline prices remain well below recent years. In fact, AAA expects most U.S. drivers will pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices since 2005. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.31, which is 47 cents less than one year ago.

When it comes to car rental, daily rental rates will average $75, 6% more than last year, according to AAA Travel.
“We are well on our way for 2016 to be a record-breaking year for summertime travel,” said Doney. “This trend is welcome news for the travel industry and a sign that Americans are taking to our nation’s highways and skies like never before.”

Click here for the complete “AAA/IHS Global Insight Independence Day Forecast.”